Luongo has a 7-4-3 record this season with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage.

CALLAHAN FIRES BACK AT AVERY

New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan has responded to Sean Avery seemingly speaking out of turn.

After Avery attempted to reignite a feud with Rangers bench boss John Tortorella on the weekend via Twitter, Callahan stuck up for his coach, dispelling Avery’s cheapshot.

“Sean Avery’s comments solely represent his own thoughts and opinions,” a statement issued by Callahan said, according to the Bergen Record. “(Avery) did not speak for us as a team when he was here and certainly does not now.”

Avery made it clear following the Rangers’ 3-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night what he thinks of his former head coach, submitting a tweet that can only be read one way.

“Fire this CLOWN, his players hate him and wont play for his BS.... @imseanavery is #winning,” Avery, 32, wrote, undoubtedly referring to Tortorella.

Avery and Tortorella have some history, with the coach having publicly lambasted the winger while working as an analyst for TSN in 2008.

Heading into Monday night’s action, New York was hanging on to eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 35 points in 34 games.

CLOWE COMES TO GRIPS

Ryane Clowe knows full well the San Jose Sharks are trying to trade him.

The team asked his agent about waiving his no-trade clause, a situation he has come to grips with.

“If I go somewhere and get traded somewhere I’m not just going to sign unless I see potential,” Clowe said. “That’s something I’d definitely be open to. On the other hand, if it had to come down to going somewhere as a rental, it would probably be more towards a team that’s a top team and looking at making a run. It’s all on the table if it happens.”

SHERO DONE DEALING

Despite losing Sidney Crosby indefinitely to a broken jaw, the Pittsburgh Penguins won’t hunt for a replacement centre before the NHL trade deadline.

“What centre can you get to replace Sid, honestly?” Shero told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Monday. “We've made the moves we're going to make, I think.”

There’s also a chance Crosby could be ready for the playoffs, which start April 30.

Another player the Penguins expect back before or during the post-season is defenceman Paul Martin, who had surgery for a broken hand Sunday and is out 4-6 weeks.

BROKEN TALBOT

Max Talbot will be out of the Philadelphia Flyers lineup indefinitely with a broken left leg.

The winger suffered the injury in the second period of Sunday’s overtime 5-4 win against the Washington Capitals. Talbot missed a check on defenceman Mike Green and crashed into the boards.

In a remarkable display of toughness, the 29-year-old, unable to put any weight on the broken limb, attempted to skate off the ice under his own power before he was helped by teammates.

Talbot has five goals and five assists in 35 games with the Flyers this season.

CANUCKS SWITCHING AFFILIATES

The Vancouver Canucks could be shooting for a three-way deal involving AHL affiliates.

On Monday, the team announced the purchase of the Peoria Rivermen from the St. Louis Blues, pending AHL approval.

The Canucks have been using the Chicago Wolves as their farm team affiliate but do not own the team.

According to reports, the Canucks want to move the Rivermen to Abbotsford, B.C., where the Calgary Flames’ affiliate, the Heat, currently play. The deal would see the Flames move their farm team to New York and the Blues use the Wolves as their new affiliate.

TRADE BRIEFS

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Michael Handzus from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fourth-round draft selection. The pick was originally owned by San Jose and traded for by Chicago at the 2012 draft ... The Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks swapped wingers. Harry Zolnierczyk heads to Anaheim while former Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Jay Rosehill goes to Philly. Zolnierczyk has played seven games this season while Rosehill remained in the AHL.